PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. - The Calvert County Department of Economic Development and the Calvert County Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) yesterday announce the winners of the 2007 photo contest, Focus on Calvert, which ran from November 21, 2006, through April 30, 2007. A panel of judges, including professional photographers and members of the TAC, selected the following winners from more than 200 submissions:
* Grand Prize Winner: "Left at the Beach," by Steven Miller of Chesapeake Beach;
* First Runner-Up: "Java's Girl," by Linda M. Hofmann of Port Republic;
* Second Runner-Up: "Wait for Me, Granddaddy," by Susan S. Cox of Prince Frederick;
* Second Runner-Up: "Cove Lake Sunrise," by Walter Roof, Jr., of Lusby.
The contest was open to all photography enthusiasts and submissions were received from both Calvert County citizens and non-residents.
Robert Tinari, of Robert Tinari Photography, and one of the photo contest judges, said the grand prize-winning photograph evoked memories of childhood days spent at the beach. "I chose the winning photograph for a number of reasons," he said. "It is technically well executed - with good exposure, great light and a selective focus - the composition is strong and balanced, and it evokes a strong emotional reaction. It reminds me of my youth, of warm summer days spent at the beach and of running barefoot and carefree in the sand."
Linda Fadeley, a member of the TAC who also sat on the judge's panel agreed that "Left at the Beach" made her feel nostalgic for a time when she lived near the water. "I love anything to do with the beach. If we had judged at Christmas time I'd have selected something else. But the loose shoe and sand on the steps just reminded me of summer fun at the beach."
An invitation-only reception will be held on July 19, 2007, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Calvert County Library in Prince Frederick for all contest participants and the winning photos will be on display during the reception. In addition, all entries will be considered for inclusion in a 2007-2008 Calvert County wall calendar and other collateral products developed by the Department.
All winners and honorable mentions can be viewed online at www.ecalvert.com.